Revisiting the classic Nazi research facility in Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 provides veterans and newcomers alike with a thrilling survival experience. The Giant reimagines the iconic Der Riese layout, combining nostalgic gameplay mechanics with updated visuals and expanded lore elements. Unlocking the secret components of this snowy arena requires precise exploration and a firm grasp of the underlying puzzle mechanics.
Activating the Facility Main Power Switch
Before attempting any complex puzzles, players must first navigate from the starting courtyard into the central laboratory area to activate the main power. Locating the large switch on the upper catwalk instantly illuminates the facility, opening several electronic pathways and bringing the local perk machines online. This initial step is completely necessary because the teleporters and secondary defense grids remain entirely offline until electricity flows through the research complex.
With the power fully operational, you can begin gathering stronger weapons from the wall buy locations scattered along the corridors. Setting up a reliable economy early ensures your squad has enough points to clear crucial debris and open up the rest of the map layout. Establishing a safe zone in the central area will also give you enough breathing room to manage the incoming waves of aggressive zombies.
Unlocking the Pack A Punch Upgrade Machine
The core objective of this map revolves around unlocking the upgrading machine by linking three distinct teleporter chambers back to the main pad. Players must initiate each terminal individually by spending points at the remote nodes located in the facility wings and running back to the core pad before the timer expires. Successfully linking all three systems opens the mainframe doors in the central courtyard, revealing the powerful weapon enhancement device.
Upgrading your primary arsenal allows your weapons to deal significantly more damage against the increasingly durable zombie hordes. It also introduces unique elemental damage variations that can change the flow of late-game survival rounds. Completing this process early ensures your survival chances skyrocket as you prepare for the hidden narrative objectives.
Solving the Hidden Annihilator Pistol Quest
Once your weapons are upgraded, you can trigger the primary narrative sequence by interacting with the control panels inside the teleporter rooms. Players must use a Pack-A-Punch upgraded weapon to shoot three tiny hidden items concealed just outside the map boundaries. Finding these subtle target objects activates a specialized tracking system that drops a powerful tactical reward into the central furnace.
Successfully completing this tracking challenge rewards players with the Annihilator specialist weapon, which can clear tight corridors instantly. This specialized pistol gives you a major tactical advantage during difficult rounds when the team gets trapped in corner zones. Gathering this reward completes the primary Easter egg sequence for this remastered arena, solidifying your completion status.
